Including - flights, hire car, most meals and some drinks, most activities and Battlefields lecture tour

From £3495
12 nights

DAY 1Fly overnight from London to Johannesburg

DAYS 2 and 3With the early arrival into Johannesburg and easy hire car formalities, you'll soon be on the road heading towards UKHAHLAMBA-DRAKENSBERG PARK. The Zulu name means Wall of Spears, and the Afrikaans' Mountain of Dragons, both graphic descriptions of an area with sheer rock walls, peaks, domes and buttresses, a World Heritage Site for both natural and cultural factors.In an idyllic setting amongst the lower grass covered slopes with panoramic views of the magnificent Amphitheatre, Montusi Mountain Lodge makes a wonderfully comfortable base from which to explore the area. Welcoming open fires in both the spacious thatched cottages and the main lodge ward off the chilly evening air.

DAYS 4 and 5It will take about two hours to drive to Isandlwana Lodge, cleverly built into the hillside to give you sweeping views of the plain where the Zulu commander, King Cetshwayo, led his army to victory in the Battle of Isandlwana. This battle and others of the late 1800s are brought to life by local historian Rob Gerrard as you tour the sites with him.

DAY 6On your way up to the Waterberg, overnight at the extremely comfortable Melrose Place Guest House, in a leafy northern suburb of JOHANNESBURG. The rooms are large and comfortable and there is a lovely pool in the garden. For supper you can either choose to eat around the communal table with the other guests or at a local restaurant.

DAYS 7 and 8Carry on the next day to Ant's Nest, a stylish bush home in the WATERBERG region of the Limpopo province. It is set in a private game reserve which sustains a wide variety of wildlife including sable, nyala, oryx, eland and white rhino and well over 300 species of resident and migrant birds. While you will enjoy game drives, this safe and secluded environment allows guests of all ages to enjoy guided bush walks, horse rides and cycling and there is also a heated pool to relax by.

DAYS 9 to 11A three hour drive will take you to the vast MADIKWE GAME RESERVE on the edge of the Kalahari. At Jaci's Tree Lodge, where the emphasis is on hospitality and professional guiding, you will stay in a wonderful tree house set in the riverine forest and linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways. Children are made very welcome with special 'jungle drives' for them and babysitters available.

DAY 12A leisurely drive back to Johannesburg after lunch will allow plenty of time to return your car before checking in for your overnight flight home

What About?

HORSE RIDERS may like to extend their stay at some of these locations. At Montusi Mountain Lodge not only can you ride out from the lodge but overnight camping safaris can be organised as well. From Isandlwana Lodge there are beautiful horseback trails to follow. Both Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill offer the opportunity for some of the wonderful game viewing in the African bush - also from horseback.

Try This?

Highlights of Southern AfricaIncluding Victoria Falls from the Zambian bank, game viewing in Botswana's Okavango Delta and exploring Cape Town and the Winelands of South Africa

Including - flights, transfers, all meals and activities on safari, hire car and breakfast at other hotels
Read more

Where Children Receive a warm WelcomeSelf-driving in South Africa between friendly accommodation in malaria-free areas, combining the excitement of Cape Town, the beauty of the Garden Route beaches and some great game-viewing in the Eastern Cape